Saints v Blackpool

Saints will be striving to extend their winning home run as the host Blackpool who are one of the teams fighting for promotion to the Premiership.

Pool play an open attacking game and could use ex Saint Kevin Phillips in their matchday squad.

I am hopeful of a good open game and foresee a few goal opportunities at both ends of the park.

Saints are hoping to have Rickie Lambert available though Richard Chaplow is likely to be out of contention. David Connolly is also likely to miss out.

Adam will possibly have more chance of delivering if Blackpool play to their normal style and I can see him having a big say in the final outcome.

Alex Baptiste is unlikely to start after missing last week's win over Reading with a hamstring injury, and should he miss out Craig Cathcart will continue to deputise.

Keith Southern is ruled out, but Callum McManaman will hope to keep his place in the attack, although he is competing with the club's joint top scorer ex Saint Kevin Phillips for a starting role.

Kevin has scored wherever he played and will be a major threat if he starts.

The teams have not met often in recent years although Saints hold an impressive 17 victories from 26 home meetings with Blackpool.

Mr. Geoff Eltringham from Tyne & Wear takes charge of Saturday's game. For this game Mr. Eltringham will be assisted by Mr. D. Eaton and Mr. N. Radford. The Fourth Official is Mr. G. Scott.

I am going for a 3-1 Saints win.

Sun 18th Dec - Portsmouth v Saints

Sat 17th Dec - Blackpool v Watford

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